TEDxDecatur is an independently organized TED event in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. TEDxDecatur 2019 -- the 2nd annual edition -- took place on September 7 and was a day filled with brilliant speakers and performers, as well as many a connection created or strengthened. Our MC for the day, Carlos Greene (two-time semi-finalist at the World Championship of Public Speaking), guided us through a superb lineup that included live presentations by Anwesha Banerjee, Marty Buccafusco, Coley Gilchrist, Kareema Hanifah, Yusuf Muhammad and Al Wiseman. The presenters addressed a wide range of topics pertaining to education, science, the arts, social justice and more. The audience was also treated to videos of TED talks by Frans Lanting ("Photos that give voice to the animal kingdom") and Adam Alter ("Why our screens make us less happy").

TEDxDecatur Venue
TBD
Decatur, Georgia, 30030
United States

Al Wiseman

Humorist, speech trainer & coach

Al Wiseman is a humorist, trainer and speech coach in his company, A Wiseman Speaks. He has been a Toastmaster for over 25 years and has earned three Distinguished Toastmaster awards – Toastmasters’ highest level of achievement. He was crowned the state champion in the Humorous Speech Contest, and he has presented his Finding the Funny workshops at the local, state and international level. For several years, he wrote a humor column entitled “Laugh Lines” for a local community newspaper and he is the author of “Finding the Funny,” published in 2010, and the soon-to-be released, “Finding the Funny Too.” With his trademark style of humor, he delivers workshops, seminars and one-on-one coaching that helps business and professional people add humor to their presentations. He is a certified John Maxwell Trainer and Coach, a loving husband and father, who enjoys reading, hiking and yardwork.

Anwesha Banerjee

Neuroscientist

Anwesha Banerjee is a trained behavioral and molecular Neuroscientist, currently working at Emory University, Atlanta. When often asked, why she chose to be a scientist, she says “probably my name which in Sanskrit means, 'in search of knowledge' has decided my destiny many years ago. So, blame my parents”. With expertise in the field of neurological disorders including autism, fragile X syndrome and Myotonic Dystrophy, she is currently conducting pioneering research to understand the underlying mechanism of cognitive impairments in Myotonic Dystrophy that severely affects a patient’s quality of life. Anwesha has been a recipient of research fellowship by Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation in 2017. She has authored multiple publications and presented at national and international conferences. Apart from science, she loves public speaking and has been an active member of Toastmasters for over 6 years, attaining Distinguished Toastmaster status and occupying senior leadership roles.

Coley Gilchrist

Singer/songwriter, actress, dancer and producer

Coley Gilchrist is a singer/songwriter, actress, dancer, and producer. At only 19 years old, Coley is making her explosive and admirable launch into music from Conyers, Georgia. The up-and-coming artist has been writing songs, monologues, and poetry since the age of 7. She aspires to both galvanize and bring meaning back to music. Her sound is soulful, eclectic, and one that every age can enjoy. She is constantly creating music that challenges the trending sound in the industry. Her gift for writing and arranging is equivalent to her fearless stage presence. “I want my lyrics to make you feel something, and my performance to make you remember it and hold on to it,” says the songstress. With God as her reinforcement, she’s ready to unveil her artistry to the world.

Kareemah Hanifa

Community Builder, Singer and Poet

Kareemah Hanifa is a Muslim native of Charleston, South Carolina, though she has spent the majority of her life in the State of Georgia, where she grew up in a large blended family of 16 siblings. Kareemah is dedicated to empowering youth who are involved in the criminal justice system through youth advocacy, conflict transformation, and criminal justice reform. She has spoken on these and other topics at Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice forums, Emory University’s Candler School of Theology Certificate in Theological Studies graduation, Georgia Department of Corrections Faith and Character graduations, and the 2019 Ending Mass Incarceration conference at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. She spoke most recently at the Georgia Department of Corrections Education Forum. Kareemah is a singer and poet, as well as a trained facilitator of Compassionate Integrity Training. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Life University in Marietta, Georgia.

Marty Buccafusco

Film professional & educator

A native of Evans, Georgia, Marty pursued his passion for film and television at the University of Georgia. Immediately after college, he was offered a full-time job in New York City, and over the next decade, Marty worked with clients across a wide spectrum including NBC, Viacom, Google, and Nickelodeon. He produced content for all media, including TV shows, on-air promotions, corporate sales events, and digital shorts. On the side, he served as Co-Writer, Editor & Producer of an award-winning feature film, “Sneakers & Soul." Marty decided to transition from the production side of the industry to the academic side. He earned a Master's Degree in Digital Media Design for Learning from NYU and moved back down south to settle in Atlanta. Marty took a position as a high school TV & Film instructor, where he won awards for his teaching & his students won awards for their films. Marty is currently back in the freelance world while pursuing future opportunities in the world of education.

Yusuf Muhammad

High School Principal

Yusuf A. Muhammad, Jr. is a career educator with more than 17 years of experience in Brooklyn, NY and Atlanta, GA. He specializes in leading turnaround schools through innovative practices, including project-based learning, STEAM instruction and early college work-based learning. He believes that each student can achieve at high levels regardless of circumstances. Yusuf currently serves at the founding principal of the STEAM Academy at Carver. He lives in Atlanta, GA with his four daughters.